17 fall festivals in the Montgomery area you can’t miss

Crisp morning air, vibrant autumn foliage and the sweet scent of spiced pumpkin mean one thing: it’s almost festival season in Central Alabama! Whether you are a lifelong local or a newcomer exploring the River Region, autumn brings an array of community celebrations, food gatherings and outdoor arts exhibitions.

We have rounded up 17 fantastic fall festivals in the Montgomery area so you can plan your ultimate seasonal bucket list. Unpack your sweaters, round up family and friends and get ready to celebrate autumn!

September events: Kick off autumn in the River Region

1. MMFA Annual Fall Festival

Kick off the autumn season with a day of creativity and community at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Featuring an expansive local artist market, hands-on art-making studios and live music, this event is perfect for art lovers of all ages.

• When: Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10AM–4PM
• Where: Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Dr, Montgomery
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

2. Wetumpka’s Front Porch Fall Fest

Step into the heart of historic downtown Wetumpka for a charming street festival celebrating community connection. Stroll down Company Street to shop local makers, listen to live acoustic music and sample delicious autumn treats.

• When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 10AM–4PM
• Where: Downtown Wetumpka, 114 Company St, Wetumpka
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

3. 4th Annual Montgomery Oyster Festival

Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this signature River Region culinary event in Old Alabama Town. Taste fresh oysters prepared by top regional chefs, meet Alabama oyster farmers and enjoy live music.

• When: Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3–7PM
• Where: Old Alabama Town, 301 Columbus St, Montgomery
• Cost: General Admission $45 | VIP $100
• More info: Click here

October events: Parades, food + spooky celebrations

4. 15th Annual Pike Road Plein Air Paint Out

Watch landscape artists capture the serene rural beauty of Pike Road outdoors during this multi-day painting gathering. Visitors are encouraged to explore the town, greet working artists and view finished pieces at the final showcase.

• When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Sunday, Oct. 11 | 8AM–5PM daily
• Where: Town of Pike Road (Various outdoor locations)
• Cost: Free to observe
• More info: Click here

5. River Region Lobsterfest 2026

Indulge in fresh coastal flavors right here in Montgomery! Hosted by Church of the Ascension, this annual community gathering serves up fresh lobster meals alongside family entertainment to benefit local respite and educational ministries.

• When: Thursday, Oct. 8 | 3–9PM
• Where: Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Ave, Montgomery
• Cost: Meal ticket prices vary; free entry to grounds
• More info: Click here

6. Broomsticks & Brews

Grab your witch hat and head to Historic Downtown Wetumpka for Broomsticks & Brews! Wear your best witchy attire for an adults-only evening of late-night shopping, magical sips, spooky deals, and a witch hat contest along Company Street.

• When: Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5–8PM
• Where: Historic Downtown Wetumpka, 114 Company St, Wetumpka
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

7. Alabama National Fair

A River Region tradition since 1954, the Alabama National Fair brings thrill rides, fried food favorites, livestock shows, competitive exhibits, and headliner concerts to Garrett Coliseum over eleven exciting days!

• When: Thursday, Oct. 8 – Sunday, Oct. 18 | Daily hours vary
• Where: Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Dr, Montgomery, AL
• Cost: General admission varies (Rides and food sold separately)
• More info: Click here

8. 16th Annual Riverwalk Wine Festival

Sip and savor under the historic Union Station Train Shed at Downtown Montgomery’s premiere wine event. Guests can sample over 100 featured wines while enjoying live saxophone music, food truck pairings, and interactive Sip & Paint sessions.

• When: Friday, Oct. 9 | 6–9PM
• Where: Union Station Train Shed, 300 Water St, Montgomery
• Cost: $44.52 per person
• More info: Click here

9. 8th Annual Parade of Pumpkins

Historic Downtown Prattville transforms into an enchanted autumn wonderland for two full weeks. Take an evening stroll to see thousands of carved and decorated pumpkins illuminated along the riverwalk and GLOW Trail.

• When: Friday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oc. 31 | Nightly displays
• Where: Historic Downtown Prattville
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

10. Sweet Creek Farm Market Fall Festival

Experience classic autumn fun at Sweet Creek Farm Market! Bring family and friends for hayrides, pumpkin picking, inflatables, pony rides and plenty of delicious seasonal treats.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9AM–5PM
• Where: Sweet Creek Farm Market, 85 Meriwether Road, Pike Road
• Cost: $10–$12 activity wristband; Free admission to market
• More info: Click here

11. City of Millbrook 17th Annual Boo Festival

Bring the kids out in costume for a day of festive Halloween fun at Village Green Park. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, hayrides, costume contests, DJ music and local food truck bites.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10AM–2PM
• Where: Village Green Park, 3199 Main St, Millbrook
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

12. Boo-tiful Thrifted Art Workshop

Unleash your spooky creativity in this hands-on workshop hosted by the Pike Road Arts Council. Bring a thrifted framed painting and learn how to add ghosts, ghouls, or autumn landscapes to create your own spooky masterpiece.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 17 | 2–4PM
• Where: Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road
• Cost: $10 (Registration required)
• More info: Click here

13. City of Montgomery Harvest Festival

Celebrate the autumn season along the riverfront with a free, family-friendly afternoon filled with local vendors, festive entertainment and fall activities at Riverfront Park.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 17 | 3–6PM
• Where: Riverfront Park, 355 Commerce Street, Montgomery
• Cost: Free admission
• More info: Click here

14. Montgomery Comedy Festival

Need a night out full of laughter? Head to the Montgomery Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for a star-studded comedy showcase featuring Sheryl Underwood, Lavell Crawford, Don “DC” Curry, Tony Rock and Adele Givens.

• When: Friday, Oct. 23 | 8PM
• Where: MPAC, 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL
• Cost: $59 – $99
• More info: Click here

15. Alabama Fried Pickle Festival

Celebrate one of the South’s favorite crunchy snacks! This family-focused festival features endless fried pickle variations, unique local vendors, carnival games, live entertainment and children’s activities.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 10AM–5PM
• Where: Garrett Coliseum, 1555 Federal Dr., Montgomery
• Cost: $10 general admission (Kids 5 & under Free; VIP early-entry options available)
• More info: Click here

16. City of Montgomery Food Truck Festival

Gather your family and friends for a festive evening at Montgomery’s Fall Food Truck Festival! Enjoy delicious local food truck eats, shop community vendors and groove to live music and DJ tunes all night long.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 24 | 6–10PM
• Where: Paterson Field parking lot, 1255 Maddison Ave., Montgomery
• Cost: Free admission, food prices vary by vendor
• More info: Click here

17. Once Upon a Villains: A Wicked Fall Festival

Fairytales take a spooky twist at this magical family gathering hosted by The Party Palace. Kids can enjoy villain and princess meet-and-greets, live character stage performances, interactive trick-or-treating and autumn games.

• When: Sunday, Oct. 25 | 4–7PM (VIP Early Access at 3PM)
• Where: The Pointed Toe LLC, 511 Burt Mill Rd, Tallassee
• Cost: $15 general admission | $30 VIP | Free for ages 2 & under
• More info: Click here

Which of these fall festivals in the Montgomery area are you most excited to check out? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.